Space station freedom photovoltaic power module design status

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:5582191

Jimenez, A P; Hoberecht, M A

Electric power generation for Space Station Freedom will be provided by four photovoltaic (PV) power modules using silicon solar cells during Phase 1 operation. Each PV power module requires two solar arrays with 32,800 solar cells generating 18.75 kW of dc power for a total of 75 kW. A portion of this power will be stored in nickel-hydrogen batteries for use during eclipse, and the balance will be processed and converted to 20 kHz ac power for distribution to end users through the power management and distribution system. The design incorporates an optimized thermal control system, pointing and tracking provision with the application of gimbals, and the use of orbital replacement units (ORU's) to achieve modularization. Design status of the PV power module, as derived from major trade studies, is discussed at hardware levels ranging from component to system. Details of the design are presented where appropriate.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
• OSTI ID: 5582191
• Report Number(s): N-89-25273; NASA-TM--102073; E--4832; NAS--1.15:102073; CONF-890815--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140700* -- Solar Thermal Power Systems
CONTROL
DESIGN
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
HEAT EXCHANGERS
METAL-GAS BATTERIES
NICKEL-HYDROGEN BATTERIES
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER SUPPLIES
RADIATORS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TEMPERATURE CONTROL